Orlando Ríos

Cuban percussionist and vocalist known as Puntilla (La Havana, December 26, 1947 - New York, August 12, 2008). Orlando Ríos came to New York in 1980 from Havana, Cuba, where he was a professor at Escuela Nacional Del Arte. Since coming to New York, he has performed with such musicians as Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Dizzy Gillespie, Michel Camilo, Michele Rosewoman, and Tania León. He and his group Nueva Generación have performed at Symphony Space, SOB's, Lincoln Center, and World Music Institute, in addition to being a part of many productions at the Caribbean Cultural Center. As a master of the various Cuban musical folkloric forms and teacher and mentor to many New York-based folklorists, Ríos is the foundation of the Yoruba-based religious community, providing the music for ceremonies and celebrations. In addition, Nueva Generación has been a forum for many young aspiring folkloric musicians.